Artificial tree construction

ABSTRACT

An artificial tree construction wherein a post or standard simulating a trunk is provided with an upper support outstanding about the trunk, and a lower support outstanding about the trunk, and a plurality of greenery or verdure simulating assemblies or panels extending removably between the upper and lower supports.

United States Patent 1 Bogart et a1.

[ ARTIFICIAL TREE CONSTRUCTION [75] Inventors: George E. Bogart; Robert T.

Gallagher; Lawrence V. Lolli, all of Philadelphia, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Marathon Manufacturing Company,

Philadelphia, Pa.

[22] Filed: May 14, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 359,735

[52] US. Cl 161/24, 161/13, D29/l A 4 [51] Int. Cl. A47g 33/06 [58] Field of Search 161/24, 22, 13; D29/] A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,654,427 12/1927 Modlarz 161/24 [451 Feb. 11, 1975 Henry 161/24 Strong 161/24 Primary Examiner-Wil1iam E. Schulz [57] ABSTRACT 8 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENIEUFEBI H975 8 R76 sum 20F 3 FIG. 3 23 PATENIED FEB 1 1 1975 SHEET 30F 3 FIG. 8

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION While-there have, in the past, been proposed a wide variety of artificial tree constructions, as for holiday use and otherwise, these constructions have not been entirely satisfactory in commercial practice for several reasons. For example, prior artificial tree structures suitable for use as Christmas trees have heretofore required relatively tedious and time-consuming setting up and taking down procedures, and some proposed designs purporting to facilitate the erection and disassembly have been relatively complex and unduly heavy, resulting in high cost, difficulty in operation, and excessive malfunction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an important object of the present invention to provide an artificial tree construction of the type described which overcomes the above-mentioned difficulties, is capable of being set up and disassembled quickly and easily by, persons without special training or skill, being relatively simple in structure so as to avoid malfunction of mechanisms, light in weight for ease of handling, and which is further staunch and sturdy in its assembled condition while collapsing to occupy relatively little space in storage and transit.

It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide an artificial tree construction having the above-mentioned advantageous characteristics, wherein a plurality of limb assemblies are suspended freely from an upper support and depend to a lower support, all such that the assemblies substantially automatically assume proper disposition or orientation to effect accurate tree simulation.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of thisdisclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view showing an artificial tree of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevational view similar to FIG. 1, with parts removed to illustrate the construction.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view similar to FIG. 2, but with parts removed and broken away for clarity of illustration.

FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view showing a lower support and associated parts.

FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective view showing an upper support and associated parts.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view partially illustrating certain components of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken generally along the line 7--7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a partial elevational view, partly in section and broken away, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating a slightly modified alternative embodiment of the instant invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional horizontal view taken generally along the line 9-9 ofFlG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, an artificial or simulated tree is there generally designated 10, and may include a lower supporting or base 11 adapted to rest on a suitable supporting surface or floor. A post or standard 12 upstands from the base 11, simulating a tree trunk.

The simulated trunk, post or standard 12 is best seen in FIG. 3,,and includes an elongate, generally cylindrical lower portion 15 which may be provided on its lower end with a reduced or tapering portion 16 for downwardly extending frictional engagement into the base or stand 11. Intermediate the ends of the standard or posts 12, terminating the upper region of cylindrical portion 15, is an upwardly tapering shoulder or reducing portion 17. An upper generally cylindrical post or standard portion 18 extends from the tapering or frusto-conical shoulder 17, being of a substantially constant cross-sectional configuration equal to the upper, smaller end of the shoulder 17 and terminates at its upper end in an upper upwardly tapering frusto-conical portion or shoulder 19. Additionally, the post 12 and particularly the upper shoulder 19 may have its upper end 20 provided with a hole 21 extending downwardly, generally coaxially into the post.

The upper end blind hole 21 may be provided to effect suitable mounting of a tree-top or point portion 22. That is, the tree-top or point portion 22 may be fabricated in any suitable manner, not critical to the instant invention, and may include a central standard or post 23 removably engageable into the blindhole 21.

Circumposed about the post 12, particularly about the shoulder 17, may be a lower support, spreader or ring 25. The lower support or spreader 25 is generally concentric with and projects radially outwardly from the post 12 entirely thereabout.

Spaced over the lower support or spreader 25 is an upper support, hanger or ring 26 which may be concentr ic with the post, projecting radially therefrom entirely thereabout in vertically spaced parallelism with the lower support or spreader 25. The lower support or spreader 25 is of a diameter or radial projection greater than that of the upper support or ring 26, for a purpose appearing presently.

The upper support 26 may include a generally circular or disc-like body 30 having a concentric through opening 31 bounded by an upstanding generally conical or upwardly tapering wall 32. The upwardly convergent annular wall or flange 32 seats conformably on the tapering shoulder 19 to support the circular disc shaped body 30 in its horizontal disposition on the vertical post 12. A rigidifying circumferential depending flange or skirt 33 may be provided about the periphery ofthe body 30. The horizontal annular margin of the body 30, as at 34, may be provided with a plurality of through opening holes 35, specifically configured for purposes appearing hereinafter in greater detail.

The lower support or spreader 25 may be of generally circular outline configuration, having a central through opening or hole 40 bounded by an upstanding convergent annular wall or flange 41 which conformably seats on thetapering shoulder 17. Thus, the lower support or spreader is assembled on the post 12 in a manner similar to that of the upper support 26, it being only necessary to removably engage the former on its respective shoulder prior to the latter, and effect removal in the reverse order.

t The lower support'or spreader may include a plurality of radial arms or struts 42 projecting radially outwardly from the central flange or hub 41, and an outer,

concentric, circumferential rim or flange 43 having a,

circumferentialgenerally planar lip 44.v The peripherally outstanding circumferential lip 44 is provided at a plurality of locations thereabout with cutouts 45, which may be defined between a pair of facing-spaced walls 46, for purposes appearing more fullyhereinafter:

Arranged about the central post or simulated trunk 12 are a plurality of limb assemblies or panels 50. The panels 50 are located in a generally circular array, each declining outwardly from the post 12.

Further, each of the panels 50 has an upper region detachably secured to the upper support 26, depending freely therefrom and swingable relative thereto each in a generally vertical plane radial to the post 12. In this freely suspended condition, the panels 50 are sup ported or spread outwardly away from the post 12 by bearing engagement with the lower support or spreader 25. In particular, each of the panels 50 is supported in its spread apart location and retained therein by engagement in a respective cutout or receiver opening 45 of the lower support 25.

Each of the panels or limb assemblies includes an elongate column or spine member 51, such as a channel having a web 52 and sides or flanges 53. The spine or column 50 may be of substantially constant crosssectional configuration throughout its length, except for an upper region 54, which may be enlarged, as by flattening. In FIG. 6 is shown the lateral enlargement of upper column end region 54 by flattening and lateral extension of the back wall.

At a plurality of locations along the back or bottom wall 52 of the spine or channel 51, there are formed pairs of gripping fingers or clips 55. That is, several pairs of gripping fingers or clips 55 are struck out of the column back wall 52 at longitudinally spaced locations therealong, the clips of each pair extending away from each other spaced apart longitudinally of the column on opposite sides of an opening or cutout 56 left by the formation of the clips.

Carried by each of the spines or columns 51 are a plurality of simulated limbs 60, which may be of the t'wisted-in-wire type, including bristled or brush end portions 61 and an intermediate portion 62 which may be devoid of bristles. Of course, other suitable limb types may be employed. Each of the limbs has its intermediate portion 62 extending obliquely or diagonally between an adjacent pair of clips or fingers 55, onto opposite sides of the clips, with spaced limb portions 63 extending beneath and gripped by respective clips. From the gripped or clasped limb portions 63, the remainder or end portions 61 extend laterally outwardly on opposite sides of the column or spine 51. By this construction, each of the limbs 60 is securely held to its associated spine or column 51, permitting of bending, flexing and other manipulation or pulling, and even abuse of the limbs without loosening or withdrawal of the limbs from the column.

Each of the holes or through passageways 35 may be substantially identical in configuration, one being shown in enlarged detail in FIG. 6. It will there be seen that the hole or formation 35-includes a relatively large opening 65 located radially inwardly and of a longitudinal extent generally normal to 'a radius from the post 12. The relatively large opening 65 is'dimensioned to receive therethrough the upper end enlargment '54 of the column 51.

Just radially outwardly of the relatively large opening 65 is a relatively small opening 66 which communicates with or opens into the large opening. The smaller opening 66 is configuredand dimensionedto prevent passage therethrough of the column enlargement 54. That is, the column 51 below the enlargement 54 may be shiftedlaterally from the Iargeopening 65 to the small opening 66, and then dropped, sothat gravity retains the column in the small opening 66 and the enlargement 54 prevents falling of the column downwardly from the opening. In particular, the smaller opening 66 may be specifically configured so that its bounding edge conformably engages the enlargement 54, and may have its longitudinal dimension normal to a radius from a post, whereby the suspended column is freely swingable in a vertical plane radial to the post.

For removal,it is only necessary to raise the column 51 sufficiently to shift the column laterally inwardly to the opening 65, afterwhich the column may be withdrawn, as for disassembly. In order to preclude inadvertent disassembly and resist movement and rough handling of the assembled tree, there may be provided a retainer 70, generally in the form of a disc resting on the upper support 26, circumposed about the hub 32. Further, the retainer plate or disc 70 may be of a diameter such as to partially overlie the several through holes or formations 35 of the upper support. More specifically, the retainer 70, when in position on the upper support 26 overlies the several radially inner, larger openings or hole portions 65, see FIG. 5, thereby positively preventing movement of columns 51 from small openings 66 to large openings 65', and thereby assuring retention in the assembled relation..

.Of course, disassembly requires only removal of the retainer 70, and subsequent shifting of the columns 51 to the larger openings 65, and downward withdrawal therethrough. v V

In the assembled condition illustrated, the several limb end portions 61 may be manipulated, as desired, to present the appearance of an actual tree, depending upon the type of limb construction and tree being simulated.

Considering now the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, there is shown a post or standard 12a corresponding to the first described post or standard 12, but which may be provided with a lower circumferential reduced portion or groove 17a, and an upper tapering portion 19a. Advantageously, the post or standard 12a may be fabricated of a pair of lower and upper sections 15a and 18a arranged in end to end relation and suitably secured together, as by a fastener 13a, say in the form of a doubleended screw 13a extending between and into the adjacent ends of the post sections 15a and 18a. The reduced portion or peripheral groove 17a may be defined by a reduced upper end portion 14a of the lower post section 15a.

The lower support or spreader 25a of FIGS. 8 and 9 may be defined by a generally flat sheet or plate 42a of circular outline configuration having a central through opening or hole 40a and provided about its periphery with a plurality of cutouts or receiver notches 45a.

in its assembled relation the lower support 25a is circumposed about a lower region of the standard 12a, specifically with the central support opening 40a receiving the reduced standard portion 14a. In this manner, the lower support 25a is maintained in position longitudinally of the standard 12a, being received in the peripheral groove 17a and freely rotatable coaxially about the standard.

The upper support 26a may be essentially identical to the first described upper support 26 with a central annular convergent wall or flange 32a conformably surrounding and seating on the taper 19a to effectively hold the upper support in position by friction, while permitting of its deliberate removal, as desired.

A plurality of limb assemblies or panels 50a may be identical to the corresponding assemblies 50 of the first described embodiment, and may depend freely from the upper support 26a to the lower support 25a, being received in the peripheral cutouts 45a of the lower support. By gravity, the limb assemblies or panels will swing into generally vertical planes, each coplanar with the standard 12a while the limb assemblies are maintained in their spread apart condition in respective lower support notches or receivers 45a. This occurs by reason of the free rotatability of the lower support 25a and the free swingability of the limb assemblies. Thus, proper orientation of the limb assemblies or panels is achieved substantially automatically, to further simplify the setting up procedure, and also to prevent disarray after initial setting up.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides an artificial tree construction which is relatively simple in structure, capable of quick and easy assembly and disassembly, relatively light in weight and requiring a minimum of material, while affording an accurate simulation of an actual tree, and otherwise fully accomplishes its intended objects.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An artificial tree construction comprising a post, an upper support outstanding about said post from an upper region thereof, a lower support outstanding about said post from a lower region thereof, a plurality of elongate limb carriers arranged about said post extending obliquely between said upper and lower supports, a plurality of limbs projecting from each of said carriers, and an upper enlargement on each carrier, said upper support being formed with a larger opening for upward passage therethrough of each upper enlargement, and a smaller opening communicating with each larger opening for lateral movement of the associated carrier into the smaller opening and retention thereby against passage of the respective upper enlargement.

2. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, said enlargements and openings being configured for radially swingably suspending the carriers, said lower support outstanding beyond said upper support for supporting said carriers in outwardly declining relation against radially inward swinging movement.

3. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, in combination with retainer means removably located in closing relation with said larger opening to prevent carrier removal from said smaller opening.

4. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, said smaller opening being elongate in a direction tangential to a radius from said post for swingably supporting each of said carriers in a plane radial to said post.

5. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, said carriers each comprising an elongate member having its upper end region flattened to define said enlargement.

6. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, in combination with a pair of clips spaced longitudinally on each of said carriers and clasping spaced portions of an associated limb, an intermediate limb portion extending obliquely of the associated carrier, and limb end portions outstanding from opposite sides of the associated carrier.

7. An artificial tree construction according to claim 6, said clips facing away from each other, whereby tension on a limb tends to retain the limb in its associated clips.

8. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, said limb carriers being loosely received in said lower support, and said lower support being feeely movable by swinging movement of said carriers, whereby said carriers gravitationally assume a stable position upon movement of said lower support. 

1. An artificial tree construction comprising a post, an upper support outstanding about said post from an upper region thereof, a lower support outstanding about said post from a lower region thereof, a plurality of elongate limb carriers arranged about said post extending obliquely between said upper and lower supports, a plurality of limbs projecting from each of said carriers, and an upper enlargement on each carrier, said upper support being formed with a larger opening for upward passage therethrough of each upper enlargement, and a smaller opening communicating with each larger opening for lateral movement of the associated carrier into the smaller opening and retention thereby against passage of the respective upper enlargement.
 2. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, said enlargements and openings being configured for radially swingably suspending the carriers, said lower support outstanding beyond said upper support for supporting said carriers in outwardly declining relation against radially inward swinging movement.
 3. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, in combination with retainer means removably located in closing relation with said larger opening to prevent carrier removal from said smaller opening.
 4. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, said smaller opening being elongate in a direction tangential to a radius from said post for swingably supporting each of said carriers in a plane radial to said post.
 5. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, said carriers each comprising an elongate member having its upper end region flattened to define said enlargement.
 6. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, in combination with a pair of clips spaced longitudinally on each of said carriers and clasping spaced portions of an associated limb, an intermediate limb portion extending obliquely of the associated carrier, and limb end portions outstanding from opposite sides of the associated carrier.
 7. An artificial tree construction according to claim 6, said clips facing away from each other, whereby tension on a limb tends to retain the limb in its associated clips.
 8. An artificial tree construction according to claim 1, said limb carriers being loosely received in said lower support, and said lower support being feeely movable by swinging movement of said carriers, whereby said carriers gravitationally assume a stable position upon movement of said lower support. 